I was one of 23 chihuahuas living under one roof with hardly any people contact. When I first came to TALGV in April, I was always on edge with both dogs and people. By summertime I was adopted by a nice man, but he brought me back because my anxiety caused problems. I guess I wasn’t ready to be on my own. Here I enjoy being with my brother Toby and familiar faces and routines. Volunteers say I’m getting better at greeting strangers and I enjoy my walks – both big achievements for me! Won’t you come spend time with me so I’ll get to know and trust you? Once that happens, you’ll have a devoted friend for life.

I’ve had many different homes, so have tons of “house experience!” I’m also leash trained, know lots of other commands like “sit,” “walk,” “stay,” “lie down,” “come,” and “go outside” (that’s the most fun of all!). For extra enjoyment, I love car rides, and when you sleep, I’m happy to lie on a blanket by your bed. The best thing though is to be your center of attention (because I value my “personal space,” other companion dogs should be low-key personalities), and I can sometimes be a bit shy around men. If you’re an experienced “dog person” (and know and love Boxers), then this 7½-year-old gentleman is the one for you!

Today, I’m a gentle, extraordinary dog—best friends with Richie, one of the sweetest canines ever—with a story to share. Back in 2017, a wonderful man, who knew my life had been hard, gave me extra attention. Over time, he’d done this for 45 dogs (!), and said I became one of the best dogs they’d ever had—“quiet, mellow, well behaved, and very social with other dogs.” But when they returned to Minnesota, I was adopted to someone else. What happened next is uncertain, but somehow Richie and I ended up as hungry strays, lucky to be here today. My friends say I now deserve my happily-ever-after, and I say Richie does, too. So if your heart guides you to us, I promise we’ll gladly bring our grateful love to your life forever.

Sometimes being sweet and adorable isn’t enough to keep you safe. I was found alone and vulnerable at the Canoa Ranch Rest Stop—very scared, hungry, with an injured hip, abrasions and lacerations. Wow. Was that really me? Today, I’m a happy guy enjoying comfy, carefree days. The volunteers say I am friendly, get along with other dogs, and I’m very fond of my people friends, too. My wounds have healed and although my hip isn’t perfect, I get around just fine. And through it all, I’ve continued to be sweet and adorable—a fawn-colored, 2-year-old Terrier mix male, 22 pounds, for whom the best is surely yet to come. And I’m hoping here’s where you come into my story, adding what I still need most—love forever and a happily-ever-after home with you.